“I am happy to be stuck” Sounds crazy right? For many of us “being stuck” conjures up memories of frustration and/or embarrassment.
On the top of my list was the time I was driving a full sized van of youth sponsors home from a youth leaders retreat. It was 29 years ago but it’s still a vivid memory probably because I got a new name that night (you’ll have to ask.) The retreat was back in a wooded area off a dirt road. It had been rainy so the road was very muddy, an important fact. So, a caravan of vehicles are driving down this dark dirt road and I am in the middle. The ruts in the road were big so I was dodging them the best I could. I got over to the edge as much as possible to avoid a rut. What I didn’t realize was that the passing cars had sprayed mud up on the grasses growing in the ditch. Over time the mud weighed down the grasses and then additional layers of mud made the road look wider than it was. Needless to say the van went down to both axles. I was so stuck that only a tow truck could get me out. While we are all standing around the van wondering what we are going to do a bus pulls up and a youth pastor friend jumps out with a bunch of his guys. After a bunch of raving my friend got all the guys around the van and they literally pick it up and put it back on the road. I thought that was impossible but I saw it happen.
Isaiah 52:12 says, For you shall not go out with haste, Nor go by flight; For the Lord will go before you, And the God of Israel will be your rear guard. I can tell you first hand that though we don’t see Him or feel Him, He is there. God might not always keep us from getting stuck but he will always help us out of whatever mess we are in.
Being stuck in-between Him is a great place to be. Let life happen and bring what it does; ruts, muddy roads and even things not being what they seem like resulting in getting stuck. Look at life and say” bring it, cuz God is in front of me and He has my back”.
Friday, November 25, 2011
Saturday, October 15, 2011
When I was a boy dad had a bobblehead doll on the dash of the car, it was quit entertaining for a little boy in the early sixties. I’m not sure which was my favorite; the classic Detroit Tigers Player held the top spot for a long time, vintage scooby doo was good, my friends catholic nun always got a laugh from me as a teen.
For my young friends here’s the definition of a bobblehead doll: A bobblehead is a type of collectible toy. Its head is often oversized compared to its body. Instead of a solid connection, its head is connected to the body by a spring or hook in such a way that a light tap will cause the head to bobble, hence the name.
I have discovered that bobbleheads are everywhere, especially in the church. Many Christ-followers bob their heads in agreement to the things being said but too often that’s the extent of their acting on the Word they just heard. James warns that this kind of reaction to God’s word will result in a life of instability and want. James 1:9.
Bobbleheads are fun on the dash of a car but not in the Church. James later said, But most of all, my brothers and sisters, never take an oath, by heaven or earth or anything else. Just say a simple yes or no, so that you will not sin and be condemned. James 5:12 ( NLT )
Let’s be simple people who say yes or no and mean it!
For my young friends here’s the definition of a bobblehead doll: A bobblehead is a type of collectible toy. Its head is often oversized compared to its body. Instead of a solid connection, its head is connected to the body by a spring or hook in such a way that a light tap will cause the head to bobble, hence the name.
I have discovered that bobbleheads are everywhere, especially in the church. Many Christ-followers bob their heads in agreement to the things being said but too often that’s the extent of their acting on the Word they just heard. James warns that this kind of reaction to God’s word will result in a life of instability and want. James 1:9.
Bobbleheads are fun on the dash of a car but not in the Church. James later said, But most of all, my brothers and sisters, never take an oath, by heaven or earth or anything else. Just say a simple yes or no, so that you will not sin and be condemned. James 5:12 ( NLT )
Let’s be simple people who say yes or no and mean it!
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Who is the prodigal?
Luke 15 covers the story widely known as, “The Prodigal Son”. I started preaching about this passage a couple weeks ago and I stated that the father is the prodigal not the younger son or the elder son. That goes against conventional thinking, here’s the reason why I stated that.
The definition of Prodigal is:
Prodigal – adjective
1. Recklessly extravagant
2. Having spent everything
The word prodigal is a term that is associated with wastefulness and foolish spending, thus the younger son. We certainly know the father was neither wasteful nor foolish however, in the eyes of the Pharisees he was all that and more.
• It was foolish to them for the father to give the money to the younger son let alone take him back
• It was wasteful to give his money to such a disrespectful and arrogant brat
• It was reckless to trust such a fool of a son
• It was extravagant and way over the top to show so much grace to such and ungrateful son who deserved to be disowned
• The father spent all the respect and honor he once had with the community by giving so much mercy to both his sons
It’s a matter of perspective I suppose. We might be disgusted with the younger son but we can identify with him on some level. We have all taken advantage of God and by our actions shown we thought we were smarter than Him when we disregarded His advice and went our own way. The elder son might seem justified in his response but when we actually give it thought, we know he was out of line and a real disappointment to his father due to his self-righteous attitude of which we unfortunately identify as well.
What we can’t identify with is the father who spent everything he had; his money, his reputation, his pride, his name, his position, his family and his future on his wayward boys. The law, the social norms and his aching heart all told him enough is enough be done with them and yet he defied everything nd everyone with reckless extravagance and covered his younger son and pleaded with his elder to do what was right.
One could argue that the boys didn’t really know what they were doing; they lacked the wisdom years give to someone. That agreement could not be made for the father. He knew very well the risk he was taking and he took it anyway, he knew that it would cost him dearly and he did it anyway and he knew that it was probable that it wouldn’t end well and he did it anyway.
That is why, I call the father the prodigal.
The definition of Prodigal is:
Prodigal – adjective
1. Recklessly extravagant
2. Having spent everything
The word prodigal is a term that is associated with wastefulness and foolish spending, thus the younger son. We certainly know the father was neither wasteful nor foolish however, in the eyes of the Pharisees he was all that and more.
• It was foolish to them for the father to give the money to the younger son let alone take him back
• It was wasteful to give his money to such a disrespectful and arrogant brat
• It was reckless to trust such a fool of a son
• It was extravagant and way over the top to show so much grace to such and ungrateful son who deserved to be disowned
• The father spent all the respect and honor he once had with the community by giving so much mercy to both his sons
It’s a matter of perspective I suppose. We might be disgusted with the younger son but we can identify with him on some level. We have all taken advantage of God and by our actions shown we thought we were smarter than Him when we disregarded His advice and went our own way. The elder son might seem justified in his response but when we actually give it thought, we know he was out of line and a real disappointment to his father due to his self-righteous attitude of which we unfortunately identify as well.
What we can’t identify with is the father who spent everything he had; his money, his reputation, his pride, his name, his position, his family and his future on his wayward boys. The law, the social norms and his aching heart all told him enough is enough be done with them and yet he defied everything nd everyone with reckless extravagance and covered his younger son and pleaded with his elder to do what was right.
One could argue that the boys didn’t really know what they were doing; they lacked the wisdom years give to someone. That agreement could not be made for the father. He knew very well the risk he was taking and he took it anyway, he knew that it would cost him dearly and he did it anyway and he knew that it was probable that it wouldn’t end well and he did it anyway.
That is why, I call the father the prodigal.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
God is NOT Ordinary
As I was meditating on this line in “Open Up the Sky” “We won’t be satisfied with anything ordinary”. I believe the Lord challenged me with these thoughts.
What is ordinary? Things familiar, things easily explained, easily understood, common.
Ordinary is lost in the busyness, and beauty of other things. Ordinary goes unseen, unnoticed, ordinary things can become irritants’.
Has God become ordinary? Has He been lost in the busyness of life? Has He been unseen and unnoticed?
You say “no”, yet you anticipate how He should act, speak and move. You have determined what is right and appropriate behavior for speaking on God’s behalf.
Let God’s prophets and priests be common so they and their words can be explained away. DON’T let them speak with authority, don’t let them offend or upset anyone, don’t let them call out sin or destructive behavior. No, no they must be ordinary, so that their God can seem ordinary. For an ordinary God can be ignored, an ordinary God can be relegated to a place that fits our lifestyle our wants and desires. After all an ordinary god is a god of our own making.
I AM is nothing near nor comparable at all to ordinary. He is all together Higher, Bigger, Wholly, and Holy different.
You think you know Him but at best you’ve seen His backside, in reality all you’ve seen or experienced is the hint of His fragrance as He passed by.
DO NOT settle for a hint of Him. Don’t you know a hint becomes tainted by those things around it; the wind, light and other influences. A hint of Him has become a stopping place for many. You claim to know a hint of Him. You can possibly explain that hint of Him, that makes Him ordinary. If you can make Him a part of your routine then you have settled for at best a hint of Him if not a counterfeit of Him.
God will not fit into your routine, God will not and cannot be explained, understood or ignored.
He is to BE experienced and known. He is gently kind and ruthlessly severe at the same time.He is lovely and terrible at the same time. He is many things but ordinary is not one of them.
What is ordinary? Things familiar, things easily explained, easily understood, common.
Ordinary is lost in the busyness, and beauty of other things. Ordinary goes unseen, unnoticed, ordinary things can become irritants’.
Has God become ordinary? Has He been lost in the busyness of life? Has He been unseen and unnoticed?
You say “no”, yet you anticipate how He should act, speak and move. You have determined what is right and appropriate behavior for speaking on God’s behalf.
Let God’s prophets and priests be common so they and their words can be explained away. DON’T let them speak with authority, don’t let them offend or upset anyone, don’t let them call out sin or destructive behavior. No, no they must be ordinary, so that their God can seem ordinary. For an ordinary God can be ignored, an ordinary God can be relegated to a place that fits our lifestyle our wants and desires. After all an ordinary god is a god of our own making.
I AM is nothing near nor comparable at all to ordinary. He is all together Higher, Bigger, Wholly, and Holy different.
You think you know Him but at best you’ve seen His backside, in reality all you’ve seen or experienced is the hint of His fragrance as He passed by.
DO NOT settle for a hint of Him. Don’t you know a hint becomes tainted by those things around it; the wind, light and other influences. A hint of Him has become a stopping place for many. You claim to know a hint of Him. You can possibly explain that hint of Him, that makes Him ordinary. If you can make Him a part of your routine then you have settled for at best a hint of Him if not a counterfeit of Him.
God will not fit into your routine, God will not and cannot be explained, understood or ignored.
He is to BE experienced and known. He is gently kind and ruthlessly severe at the same time.He is lovely and terrible at the same time. He is many things but ordinary is not one of them.
Monday, May 17, 2010
Loose Reins and Companionship
Kindness is intended to bring us to repentance according to Romans 2:4-8. For months I have been drawn to this passage. It has become somewhat of a case study on people I am concerned about who are making a series of choices that are taking them away from God as well as a reflective look at my own experiences with God relative to repentance.
“Does kindness really work?” is the primary question that I have been pondering. Here are some non-scientific observations in no particular order:
• God’s kindness is often taken advantage of.
• God’s kindness is often taken for granted, much like a spoiled child expects
to have his own way, often making unhealthy choices, without any
consequences.
• God’s kindness can go unnoticed
• God’s kindness doesn’t seem to reach the rebellious, self-absorbed heart.
• God’s kindness only seems to lead those who have been broken.
My dad was a horseman and my sister followed in his footsteps. He trained quarter horses for racing. My sister simply loved horses. Both dad and Diana used similar techniques to train their horses. But there was a BIG difference in their demeanor toward the animal. Dad could be kind if he got complete compliance but if not he could be cruel. Diana, on the other hand, was always kind, even when correcting the animal’s bad behavior.
I was particularly impressed with Diana’s ability to go nose-to-nose with her horses, look them in the eye and gain control with a calm, soothing voice (kindness). My 110 pound sister would stand in front of this 1250 pound animal and control it with kindness. It was something to see.
It seems to me that many folks respond to disobedience like Dad, with violence and demands. Not only do many react to non-compliance with force, many expect to be lead by force. At least it seems like they only respond to force. Some people struggle with kindness; kindness is foreign to them.
From our text we know that judgment will come to the stubborn and they will be punished. But even that will be done, not from a mad, cruel God, but rather, from a kind, brokenhearted God who doesn’t want to punish, but who must.
My Dad’s goal was to control. My sister’s goal was friendship. She genuinely loved her horses, perhaps even to the point of preferring her relationship with them over most people.
That sounds crazy, right? Well I see it as a pretty good picture of how God treats us. God gives so much more to the relationship than we do, much like Diana caring for and providing for her horses. Yet, anyone who knew her knew she got so much from her animals. One might say her animals brought fulfillment to her life.
I don’t really understand it, but Jesus’ primary focus was and is to do everything possible to ensure that we have the best life ever, which can only come from a life lived in complete harmony with Father God.
One last note: Both Dad and Diana lead their horses by touch. Though their horses had bits in their mouths the bits weren’t intended to be used, much like the warnings of scripture for the disobedient. Bits and warnings are there to remind us that doing our own thing will have unpleasant consequences.
The horses were neck reined. Neck reining is when the reins are held loosely and when a turn is desired by the rider the reins would gently touch one side or the other of the horse’s neck and the horse would then turn in that direction. If stopping was desired a gentle tug on the reins was all that was required.
I don’t know about you, but I, for one, prefer the gentle leading of the Holy Spirit. Though I need and even deserve rough and forced treatment, rarely does God ever use the bit.
The bit is extreme in the hands of God. He hates to use the bit. When He must, it’s not with a smile, it’s with a heavy heart.
If we are primarily lead by force, then we need to be broken. We must once and for all put down our pride and selfishness and live for God according to His written Word. Until we follow Jesus’ example and say and mean, “Not my will, but Yours be done,” we will only feel the bit instead of the intended gentle touch or tug of kindness.
As with Diana’s horses, as long as we willingly live a broken life before God, it will be loose reins and companionship.
“Does kindness really work?” is the primary question that I have been pondering. Here are some non-scientific observations in no particular order:
• God’s kindness is often taken advantage of.
• God’s kindness is often taken for granted, much like a spoiled child expects
to have his own way, often making unhealthy choices, without any
consequences.
• God’s kindness can go unnoticed
• God’s kindness doesn’t seem to reach the rebellious, self-absorbed heart.
• God’s kindness only seems to lead those who have been broken.
My dad was a horseman and my sister followed in his footsteps. He trained quarter horses for racing. My sister simply loved horses. Both dad and Diana used similar techniques to train their horses. But there was a BIG difference in their demeanor toward the animal. Dad could be kind if he got complete compliance but if not he could be cruel. Diana, on the other hand, was always kind, even when correcting the animal’s bad behavior.
I was particularly impressed with Diana’s ability to go nose-to-nose with her horses, look them in the eye and gain control with a calm, soothing voice (kindness). My 110 pound sister would stand in front of this 1250 pound animal and control it with kindness. It was something to see.
It seems to me that many folks respond to disobedience like Dad, with violence and demands. Not only do many react to non-compliance with force, many expect to be lead by force. At least it seems like they only respond to force. Some people struggle with kindness; kindness is foreign to them.
From our text we know that judgment will come to the stubborn and they will be punished. But even that will be done, not from a mad, cruel God, but rather, from a kind, brokenhearted God who doesn’t want to punish, but who must.
My Dad’s goal was to control. My sister’s goal was friendship. She genuinely loved her horses, perhaps even to the point of preferring her relationship with them over most people.
That sounds crazy, right? Well I see it as a pretty good picture of how God treats us. God gives so much more to the relationship than we do, much like Diana caring for and providing for her horses. Yet, anyone who knew her knew she got so much from her animals. One might say her animals brought fulfillment to her life.
I don’t really understand it, but Jesus’ primary focus was and is to do everything possible to ensure that we have the best life ever, which can only come from a life lived in complete harmony with Father God.
One last note: Both Dad and Diana lead their horses by touch. Though their horses had bits in their mouths the bits weren’t intended to be used, much like the warnings of scripture for the disobedient. Bits and warnings are there to remind us that doing our own thing will have unpleasant consequences.
The horses were neck reined. Neck reining is when the reins are held loosely and when a turn is desired by the rider the reins would gently touch one side or the other of the horse’s neck and the horse would then turn in that direction. If stopping was desired a gentle tug on the reins was all that was required.
I don’t know about you, but I, for one, prefer the gentle leading of the Holy Spirit. Though I need and even deserve rough and forced treatment, rarely does God ever use the bit.
The bit is extreme in the hands of God. He hates to use the bit. When He must, it’s not with a smile, it’s with a heavy heart.
If we are primarily lead by force, then we need to be broken. We must once and for all put down our pride and selfishness and live for God according to His written Word. Until we follow Jesus’ example and say and mean, “Not my will, but Yours be done,” we will only feel the bit instead of the intended gentle touch or tug of kindness.
As with Diana’s horses, as long as we willingly live a broken life before God, it will be loose reins and companionship.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Ehausting Prayer
A few years ago my associate pastor responded to a call from a local hospital. An older teen had gotten into an automobile accident with his brother and was injured to the point of being brain dead. He was only alive due to life support. When he was removed from life support he died within a few minutes. The family was strong in their faith, believing that God could and would raise their son from the dead. They took him home and had an ongoing prayer meeting for approximately four days, right up until minutes before the funeral. God did not raise the boy from the dead.
Many questions arose from their decision to take their boy home. Legal questions about the hospital releasing the body, questions regarding laws concerning having a dead body in a private home, even ethical, moral and practical questions about having his younger elementary-aged siblings in the house while the brother was laid out in a room so people could come by and pray. Other questions arose as well, such as, would I go to such extremes if I were in their position. These questions and others were discussed at the time. The looming question for me was, “Do I really believe that God will raise people from the dead?” That question was continually examined in my heart of hearts.
Now the same question has resurfaced for me when I found out yesterday that the 22 year old son of our friends died suddenly and that they are holding some kind of prayer vigil for him. He died Wednesday and as of the writing of this blog they are still praying for God to raise him from the dead. Again, the questions flood my mind with the big one looming, “Do I believe that God will raise people from the dead?”
I can easily say, of course, I believe God can raise people from the dead. Just a few years ago I saw convincing video documentation of a man being raised from the dead in Africa. Also, my father had died and was gone for about ten minutes before he was brought back. It was in a hospital setting so it was call resuscitation. But, what I do know is that he died, we called a number of people to pray and he came back to life. Later that night he received Jesus as his Savior and was with us for three more days before he went on to be with Jesus.
This question goes much deeper than, “Do I believe God can?” The question is, “Do I believe He will?” I am convinced that a lot of people believe God can do anything. But, they don’t act upon that belief with confidence that He will. Rick Warren says, “We only believe in the Bible to the extent of what we do.” If I really believe that God will, then shouldn’t I pray differently?
I am asking God to raise my friends’ son from the dead, but am I praying with confidence? I wrestle with practical questions. When Jesus raised people from the dead it wasn’t a protracted event – He prayed and they arose. Should that be the way it is? If we pray and people aren’t raised then isn’t that a “no”? Does the effectual fervent prayer of James 5 kick in and if so, how does that apply to praying for a dead person. How long do you pray before having a funeral if the person isn’t raised?
Perhaps this raises a bigger question than whether or not God raises people from the dead. The question is, “How long should I pray before I accept the answer as ‘no’ and then move on?” I like the way The Message puts Ephesians 6:13: “Be prepared. You’re up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it’s all over but the shouting, you’ll still be on your feet.” How do you know you have done everything you can, for as long as you should?
I know when Evie, our granddaughter stopped breathing and Cherie’ called, frantic for prayer, I stopped what I was doing and prayed with great intensity. God took care of Evie and she is a healthy two year old. I love the 22 year old young man whose death sparked this thinking again and have watched this boy grow into a wonderful young man. I am praying for his resurrection with the question, “How do I determine if what I am doing, if what his family is doing is enough?” I am not as emotionally motivated when praying for him as I was for Evie, does that matter?
I have drawn some conclusions about praying for him as well as praying for things that have huge ramifications, whatever way they are answered. I find myself leaning on the conclusions I had settled long ago. Yet, times like these make me wonder, have I done everything I can and should, for as long as I should? Is it time to stand or have I settled for a comfortable solution so I can say I prayed and can put it behind me?
I don’t write this to attempt to give you any answers; rather I write this to challenge you to ask yourself some hard questions to insure that you are standing on a sure foundation of faith. William Cary said, “Attempt great things for God. Expect great things from God.” I know that my friends’ actions are controversial. “Are you willing to stick your neck out for what you believe?” is another question worth pondering. It seems to me that my friends are attempting and expecting great things. I, for one, have already been affected by them doing all they can to stand.
Many questions arose from their decision to take their boy home. Legal questions about the hospital releasing the body, questions regarding laws concerning having a dead body in a private home, even ethical, moral and practical questions about having his younger elementary-aged siblings in the house while the brother was laid out in a room so people could come by and pray. Other questions arose as well, such as, would I go to such extremes if I were in their position. These questions and others were discussed at the time. The looming question for me was, “Do I really believe that God will raise people from the dead?” That question was continually examined in my heart of hearts.
Now the same question has resurfaced for me when I found out yesterday that the 22 year old son of our friends died suddenly and that they are holding some kind of prayer vigil for him. He died Wednesday and as of the writing of this blog they are still praying for God to raise him from the dead. Again, the questions flood my mind with the big one looming, “Do I believe that God will raise people from the dead?”
I can easily say, of course, I believe God can raise people from the dead. Just a few years ago I saw convincing video documentation of a man being raised from the dead in Africa. Also, my father had died and was gone for about ten minutes before he was brought back. It was in a hospital setting so it was call resuscitation. But, what I do know is that he died, we called a number of people to pray and he came back to life. Later that night he received Jesus as his Savior and was with us for three more days before he went on to be with Jesus.
This question goes much deeper than, “Do I believe God can?” The question is, “Do I believe He will?” I am convinced that a lot of people believe God can do anything. But, they don’t act upon that belief with confidence that He will. Rick Warren says, “We only believe in the Bible to the extent of what we do.” If I really believe that God will, then shouldn’t I pray differently?
I am asking God to raise my friends’ son from the dead, but am I praying with confidence? I wrestle with practical questions. When Jesus raised people from the dead it wasn’t a protracted event – He prayed and they arose. Should that be the way it is? If we pray and people aren’t raised then isn’t that a “no”? Does the effectual fervent prayer of James 5 kick in and if so, how does that apply to praying for a dead person. How long do you pray before having a funeral if the person isn’t raised?
Perhaps this raises a bigger question than whether or not God raises people from the dead. The question is, “How long should I pray before I accept the answer as ‘no’ and then move on?” I like the way The Message puts Ephesians 6:13: “Be prepared. You’re up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it’s all over but the shouting, you’ll still be on your feet.” How do you know you have done everything you can, for as long as you should?
I know when Evie, our granddaughter stopped breathing and Cherie’ called, frantic for prayer, I stopped what I was doing and prayed with great intensity. God took care of Evie and she is a healthy two year old. I love the 22 year old young man whose death sparked this thinking again and have watched this boy grow into a wonderful young man. I am praying for his resurrection with the question, “How do I determine if what I am doing, if what his family is doing is enough?” I am not as emotionally motivated when praying for him as I was for Evie, does that matter?
I have drawn some conclusions about praying for him as well as praying for things that have huge ramifications, whatever way they are answered. I find myself leaning on the conclusions I had settled long ago. Yet, times like these make me wonder, have I done everything I can and should, for as long as I should? Is it time to stand or have I settled for a comfortable solution so I can say I prayed and can put it behind me?
I don’t write this to attempt to give you any answers; rather I write this to challenge you to ask yourself some hard questions to insure that you are standing on a sure foundation of faith. William Cary said, “Attempt great things for God. Expect great things from God.” I know that my friends’ actions are controversial. “Are you willing to stick your neck out for what you believe?” is another question worth pondering. It seems to me that my friends are attempting and expecting great things. I, for one, have already been affected by them doing all they can to stand.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Think
I, like most the people I know have opinions about most things. Some of us verbalize them, others tend to share their thoughts with only a few. Some of our opinions are strong and reflect core values, others not so much. Some opinions have been formulated out of much research and deep reflection others are more feeling-based and might or might not be totally factual.
It seems to me that the things that we really care about have an emotional element to them. Over the years I have found that by speaking forcefully or persuasively one can sway a number of people. That is a concern because too often people will adopt beliefs and form opinions with little to no foundation or factual reason. When pressed why they believe certain things, they either have flimsy reasons that don’t stand up to scrutiny or they don’t really know. It’s just the way they feel.
2 Corinthians 11:4 from the NLT says, “You happily put up with whatever anyone tells you, even if they preach a different Jesus than the one we preach, or a different kind of Spirit than the one you received, or a different kind of gospel than the one you believed.” I admit that what I am about to say sounds cynical. That is not my motive. My motive is based on a desire for sound reasoning to prevail. Here it is: I don’t think people “think” enough. It seems to me that too many people allow others to think for them. Here are some thoughts about forming opinions:
1. Trust, but verify. Those words are from Ronald Reagan and they apply to even your most trusted friends. Though you all would do well to share my opinions (LOL), I wouldn’t intentionally mislead anyone. However, you shouldn’t go along with the things I, or anyone else says until you have verified the conclusions for yourself.
2. Don’t throw out the baby with the bath water. I don’t know who said that, but it’s good advice. 1 Thessalonians 5:21 (NKJV) says, “Test all things; hold fast what is good.” At times we will hear things from folks and agree with some of it and disagree with other parts of it. Too often we take an “all or nothing” approach. By thinking things through, we can filter it and keep the stuff that’s right and good. For instance, there are some preachers I enjoy by reading or listening but, they are not Pentecostal or Spirit-filled; nonetheless, they have a lot of good things to say.
3. Think for yourself. To my Christian friends, remember that John 16:13 promises that the Holy Spirit will lead us into all truth. “ALL” is a very inclusive word. Simply put, if we will test things with scripture and an ear to the voice of God, we will draw the right conclusions and form the right opinions. Even for those who don’t have a personal relationship with Jesus, God has given everyone common sense. I know that’s hard to believe, sometimes, but its true. Check this out: Romans 2:13 - 15 (NIV) 13For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God’s sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous. 14(Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature things required by the law, they are a law for themselves, even though they do not have the law, 15since they show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts now accusing, now even defending them.) It’s not a lack of common sense, it’s a lack of doing the sometimes-hard work of “thinking.”
4. Guard against apathy. I’ll never forget a scene from the 1976 movie, “Network,” which was dealing with the apathy that had set into the nation and how people settled and allowed themselves to be led around like sheep. In the scene I’m thinking of, there was a broadcaster who urges the TV audience to open their windows and yell, “I’m as mad as _ _ _ _ and I’m not going to take it anymore.” The scene cut from the anchorman to people opening the windows and doing that very thing. I don’t advocate that we do that; however, I do challenge you to “think” and ask yourself, “Have I settled, Have I become complacent? Do things concern me the way they should?”
None of us have the energy, money or time to address every important issue facing us as a nation, a church or an individual. However, the enormity of valid concerns are not an excuse to shut down and not “think” and address the issues that we can or should.
I am not writing to tell you what to care about, act upon or what opinions to form. I am calling upon you to think, have an engaged mind, be prepared to discuss your reasoning and be open to listen to and think about what others are saying.
I used to wonder how people embraced the tyrants of history, how so many people could ignore overwhelming evidence and believe lies or how so many would reject Jesus and follow the lead of self-serving Pharisees. The answer to these and many more questions like them is: “people were to lazy, too self absorbed, too whatever to “think.” For your sake and the sake of those you love, please, do the hard work of “thinking.”
It seems to me that the things that we really care about have an emotional element to them. Over the years I have found that by speaking forcefully or persuasively one can sway a number of people. That is a concern because too often people will adopt beliefs and form opinions with little to no foundation or factual reason. When pressed why they believe certain things, they either have flimsy reasons that don’t stand up to scrutiny or they don’t really know. It’s just the way they feel.
2 Corinthians 11:4 from the NLT says, “You happily put up with whatever anyone tells you, even if they preach a different Jesus than the one we preach, or a different kind of Spirit than the one you received, or a different kind of gospel than the one you believed.” I admit that what I am about to say sounds cynical. That is not my motive. My motive is based on a desire for sound reasoning to prevail. Here it is: I don’t think people “think” enough. It seems to me that too many people allow others to think for them. Here are some thoughts about forming opinions:
1. Trust, but verify. Those words are from Ronald Reagan and they apply to even your most trusted friends. Though you all would do well to share my opinions (LOL), I wouldn’t intentionally mislead anyone. However, you shouldn’t go along with the things I, or anyone else says until you have verified the conclusions for yourself.
2. Don’t throw out the baby with the bath water. I don’t know who said that, but it’s good advice. 1 Thessalonians 5:21 (NKJV) says, “Test all things; hold fast what is good.” At times we will hear things from folks and agree with some of it and disagree with other parts of it. Too often we take an “all or nothing” approach. By thinking things through, we can filter it and keep the stuff that’s right and good. For instance, there are some preachers I enjoy by reading or listening but, they are not Pentecostal or Spirit-filled; nonetheless, they have a lot of good things to say.
3. Think for yourself. To my Christian friends, remember that John 16:13 promises that the Holy Spirit will lead us into all truth. “ALL” is a very inclusive word. Simply put, if we will test things with scripture and an ear to the voice of God, we will draw the right conclusions and form the right opinions. Even for those who don’t have a personal relationship with Jesus, God has given everyone common sense. I know that’s hard to believe, sometimes, but its true. Check this out: Romans 2:13 - 15 (NIV) 13For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God’s sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous. 14(Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature things required by the law, they are a law for themselves, even though they do not have the law, 15since they show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts now accusing, now even defending them.) It’s not a lack of common sense, it’s a lack of doing the sometimes-hard work of “thinking.”
4. Guard against apathy. I’ll never forget a scene from the 1976 movie, “Network,” which was dealing with the apathy that had set into the nation and how people settled and allowed themselves to be led around like sheep. In the scene I’m thinking of, there was a broadcaster who urges the TV audience to open their windows and yell, “I’m as mad as _ _ _ _ and I’m not going to take it anymore.” The scene cut from the anchorman to people opening the windows and doing that very thing. I don’t advocate that we do that; however, I do challenge you to “think” and ask yourself, “Have I settled, Have I become complacent? Do things concern me the way they should?”
None of us have the energy, money or time to address every important issue facing us as a nation, a church or an individual. However, the enormity of valid concerns are not an excuse to shut down and not “think” and address the issues that we can or should.
I am not writing to tell you what to care about, act upon or what opinions to form. I am calling upon you to think, have an engaged mind, be prepared to discuss your reasoning and be open to listen to and think about what others are saying.
I used to wonder how people embraced the tyrants of history, how so many people could ignore overwhelming evidence and believe lies or how so many would reject Jesus and follow the lead of self-serving Pharisees. The answer to these and many more questions like them is: “people were to lazy, too self absorbed, too whatever to “think.” For your sake and the sake of those you love, please, do the hard work of “thinking.”
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